Scottish Development Agency (Staff)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons were employed by the Scottish Development Agency in January 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984, respectively; and if he
42W
will make a statement on any plans to take on further staff as from the current month, regarding functions, numbers and extra cost.

The number of persons employed by the Scottish Development Agency on the dates in question were as follows:
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January

Permanent full-time staff

Temporary Staff and Secondees

Part-Time

1976

481

—

—

1977

553

—

—

1978

599

16

—

1979

687

29

—

1980

700

49

25

1981

713

41

26

1982

724

50

27

1983

736

53

24

1984

719

52

13

The agency is subject to a staff limit of 750 which, in keeping with general public sector practice, has since 1984 been applied to all employees other than short-term temporary staff. In January 1985 the agency had 642 staff in post and 36 short-term temporary staff. Some 58 staff posts are currently under recruitment. The cost will be accommodated within the Agency's budgetary provision for salaries. Recruitment needs within the staff limit and budgetary provision are a matter for the agency. If the hon. Member wishes further details he should approach the chairman of the agency.